Looking for a good workout with an even better playlist? Then you might want to head over to REV Cycle Studio for one of Sean Sanders’ classes. This high energy instructor will make you work hard while trying to restrain your body from all out dancing in his fun 45 minute class offered at both the Brewers Hill and Locust point locations. We caught up with Sanders to discuss his time at REV, how he creates his dynamite playlists, and what he would be doing if he wasn’t a spin instructor.

When do you start teaching spin and how did you get involved with REV?
I’m originally from Knoxville, TN, and I moved here about four years ago, and decided to do an internship with FX Studios, which is how I met the Rick who is a co-owner of REV and it just kind of went from there. I started working at the front desk of the studio in Locust Point, but I have always been very passionate about fitness. I had been working there close to a year and I only took maybe three classes, just because I didn’t feel like spin was for me. But I saw how it impacted a lot of different people and our customers daily and that made me want to be part of it. After that, I decided to become an instructor. 

How has spin has impacted your life?  
Physically, I feel that I have gotten a lot stronger, faster, and my endurance has definitely gone up. I’ve always been a people person, but ever since I started spin the way I talk to others has changed and I feel like I am more engaging. It’s also impacted me by being very rewarding. I love that I’m helping people. I had a lady come up to me the other day and tell me about all the weight she lost taking the class and it made me feel good. The classes can also benefit your mental health by taking 45 minutes to really focus on yourself. 

How many classes do you teach a week?
I teach 8-10 classes a week and I teach at both studios. I was actually the first full-time instructor at REV.

What do you think makes REV stand out from other gyms?
Oh man, a lot! It’s the way we impact the community. There is always an outreach program and charity rides for people in need. It’s also very personal. If it’s your birthday, we acknowledge that and might put something on your bike.

How do you go about picking music for your classes?
I have to admit, it’s a lot of work. I work with Soundcloud and Spotify to put it into a 45-minute mix. There are some instructors that play strictly hip-hip or some that just play pop. I feel like I’m in between. Sometime I’ll go from an EDM song to a hip-hop song to rock and roll. 

What’s your favorite song to spin to?
It’s probably ‘Take It All Back’ by Judah and the Lion. It’s a mix between country and alternative and then it picks up at the end. It’s just one of those songs I had on my very first playlist I ever made and I still play and see everyone go nuts.

What would you say is your favorite fitness trend?
I’m currently training for an Ironman triathlon on May 20. So I’d have to say racing.

If you were not a fitness instructor what would you be?
Honestly, it probably would be something to do with fitness, like personal training. I am also a year away from my degree in information systems, so maybe even doing something with cyber security.

What would you tell people that haven’t been to REV before, that might be a little intimidated to take a class? 
I would tell them not to be scared. It can be intimidating to try something new. I have clients that never want to sit in the front row because they feel like people are looking at them or judging them if they aren’t doing the right thing. I always tell my clients the same thing and that is to do what you can. The minute you step through the door, it’s a judgement-free zone. 

Bored with your typical gym workout? Perhaps it’s time to spice up your sweat sessions by moving your body in a completely different way. Belly dancing gives you an aerobic workout and helps to improve flexibility, core strength, as well as teaching a beautiful way of dancing.

As well as physical benefits, the combination of music and exercise can help you to have a more positive outlook on life. We talk to Isabel Asra, belly dance instructor (who happens to be five months pregnant) at Sanctuary Bodyworks in Fells Point, to find out more on this ancient form of shaking it.

How long have you been a belly dance instructor?
I have been belly dancing for about 13 years and teaching for six years. When I started I was living in New Orleans at the time and I went to see a friend’s band perform. The act that was on before them was a belly-dancing troupe. I watched their show and instantly fell in love. I started taking belly-dancing classes from them and haven’t stopped since. The style of movement and the unity of women that it represents is so appealing to me.

If I weren’t a belly dance instructor, I would be a…? I’ve always been drawn to yoga. I could see myself teaching that, but so far I’ve only taken classes. Unrelated to fitness, I have some experience doing work as a graphic designer and web designer. But this is absolutely my favorite thing to do! It’s hard to imagine not doing it.

How do you inspire people who are new to the class? I try to make it very approachable, friendly, and fun. I like to joke around a little bit because I want to build a space that is less intimidating, more relaxed and appeals to people on all different skill levels.

What’s your typical class like?
We start off with a brief warm-up and then I usually put together three combinations of movements. First I will break down the individual moves and explain the technique a little bit, and have people drill it in a few times to really get familiar. We then string the moves together into a short dance that we can all do together. We do all of these in different tempos; I usually include one or two conditioning movements to help build strength and endurance. Lastly, we cool down with a nice slow, mellow composition to kind of ground and cool down the muscles in the body.

How do you bring the culture of belly dancing to your students?
I like to mention things during class about the origin of all the different movements. A lot of them have origins in folkloric dance styles and social dancing for the Middle East and Mediterranean. I like to enlighten people about those things in hopes that they develop an appreciation for the fact that this dance is part of a much larger and very rich culture, so they can think of it as more than just a form of exercise.

What is your favorite song to workout to?
Oh, I couldn’t even begin to pick only one song! In terms of genre, I really enjoy using Shaabi music, which is the popular street music of Cairo, Egypt. The music is upbeat, relatable, and casual. Sometimes the lyrics are funny and I’ll look them up online and tell my students a little bit about what they’re actually saying. I also really like to use this pretty instrumental music called Taqsim, which is solo instrumental improvisation, for the cool down part of my class.

What workout clothes do you recommend for belly dancing?
I encourage students to wear stretchy and comfortable clothing that they feel good in; it’s helpful for me if it’s close-fitting enough that I can really see their posture, and make sure they are doing the movements well, and safely. Belly revealing tops can be helpful, but they’re certainly not required. I also encourage students to tie something around their hips. This is to help emphasize the hip movements. I sell fancy hip scarfs, with the beautiful coins dangling that jingle when you move your hips, so you can kind of hear if you are on the beat.

What is your best health/wellness tip?
In some way, you should be moving every day. Make time to get some form of exercise in as a part of your daily routine. It doesn’t always have to be a long and intense workout, just move your body! Pick a form of exercise that you can really enjoy, rather than thinking of it as a chore.

If the big Trader Joe’s move of 2017 didn’t bring you into the newly renovated Shops at Kenilworth, then ZenLife should. This yoga studio, boutique, and juice bar (hello, convenience) offers everything to get your mind and body right. Along with an extensive retail selection, they also offer acupuncture, massage, holistic health counseling, and a relaxing meditation room. We talked to owner Dena Leibowitz about ZenLife and what yoga means to her.

What is the mission of ZenLife?
To provide the community with a place where they can practice yoga and learn the tools for healthy living. We provide a delicious juice bar and we host workshops on everything from reducing stress to healthy eating. It’s really just a fun place where we can all practice, learn, and study together to grow and advance our lives. 

How long have you been teaching yoga?
I’ve been teaching formally now for five years, but I’ve been learning and studying for 20 years. I started teaching because a group of friends invited me to study with them and their professor. I don’t really think of myself as a fitness instructor though. I think of myself as a student and a spiritual junkie. I see myself as someone who is still studying, learning, and growing with people everyday. 

How would you describe one of your classes?

The classes that I teach here are Vinyasa style, meaning the practice is breath driven and heart lead. Which means we promote moving from a place where you’re a little bit more compassionate in your thoughts and you’re aware of the sensations that come up in your body and how you respond to them.

What is your favorite yoga pose?

My favorite pose is triangle. I always say if I got nothing done today, I got triangle done. Triangle pose represents the capacity of doing things mindfully and lovingly and it reminds me we’re all doing great things. 

What are some tips for people just starting their fitness journey?

I was just thinking about how I was struggling to the mat myself last week and I own a yoga studio! You are not a flawed person if you struggle getting to the gym or to your yoga mat. Just knowing that, relieves a lot of pressure. But I think creating a daily routine and having your mat readily available helps. The other thing I suggest is working out with a friend. That kind of motivation is super helpful.

How has yoga affected your life?

Yoga is an opportunity to just let go and feel liberated. I can get to my mat and just be me and not have to care about what’s going on around me. It has allowed me to learn more about myself, overcome obstacles that limit me, and helped me get out of my own way. 

Whether you’re a fitness first timer or a die-hard gym rat, you’re guaranteed to find your groove with Marilyn Pick. Pick specializes in what she calls the “full body experience,” but no two classes are the same. Her combination of dance, kickboxing, cardio, and weight training create an atmosphere where it doesn’t matter if you miss a step or two, as long as you’re moving. We talked with Pick about her journey as a fitness guru, favorite in-the-zone songs, and class must-haves.

Where do you teach?

Marilyn Pick: I teach at Baltimore Fitness and Tennis on Reisterstown Road. We have a big tennis club, a fitness center, and group fitness. I had my own business, Fitness Dimension, and I brought my business to the Hilton and eventually we merged and became one company. So now I’m part of the whole group fitness. I teach cardio classes, step combination, body blast. I also teach a cardio and tone class. I have five Zumba certifications and just led a few hundred people for the charity event, Miles That Matter. 

How long have you been teaching?
MP: From the time I was a little girl, I loved to dance, so I was always taking dance and exercise classes. I was in a class and somebody said, “You should teach! You’re so good at what you do.” So, I went and took all the certifications (ACE, AFA) and I maintain them now. I started teaching because it was like the obvious next step. I love exercise and dancing and combining them. 

What’s your typical class like?
MP: I always do about 40 minutes of a cardio training move and then the rest of the class is strength training. I love a fusion class, where you incorporate everything. I bring high energy to it. I keep a lot of people happy and that’s what I love. 

Do you have any go-to workout songs?
MP: My favorite song, which is actually my ringtone, is “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon. That’s such an uplifting song. I like a variety because you have a variety of people in your class. I try to stay a step ahead of everybody so that every class they come into, there’s something new and different.

Do you have any advice for fitness new-comers?
MP: I want everyone to feel comfortable. I get to know everybody and tell them that there is no right or wrong! As long as you are moving, you’re going to get a great workout. 

What are three must-haves to survive your class?
MP: Water, carbs, and comfortable clothes.

If you could have one Baltimore-based athlete attend your Zumba class, who would it be?
MP: Michael Phelps. He focuses. When I am teaching and get off track of distracted, I think about Michael Phelps and remind myself to focus. He’s an awesome athlete and very disciplined.

In what ways does your class benefit the body and mind? 
MP: You’re strength training. Burning calories, increasing energy and stamina which helps you in your life, doing good things for your heart and lungs, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. There are so many things that cardiovascular fitness does for your body. Your body works more efficiently. For your mind, exercise is outstanding. Your body secretes endorphins which is a natural mood elevator. You don’t need anything else to feel good except exercise. When something is bothering you in your life, you exercise and you will naturally feel better. It gives you a healthy mind and a healthy body.

How do you know you’re in a Keith Golden yoga class? The answer is simple. The energy is so contagious that you won’t even realize the room is heated. Golden is known for his attentiveness to each and every person in the room and instantly makes even the newest yogis feel right at home. We talked to Keith about his practice, what inspires him, and his thwarted career path as a cat whisperer. 

How long have you been practicing yoga? 
Keith Golden: I’ve been practicing since 2001 and I became a teacher in 2014. I teach at YogaWorks in the Baltimore area and Washington D.C. I appreciate the community in the area and how my teaching and approach to yoga has been embraced. I’m very thankful to be a part of this community.

What benefits has yoga given you?
KG: It has made me stronger, more flexible, and it’s increased my physical balance as well as my mental and emotional balance.

What has yoga taught you? 
KG: The importance of breathing. If I’m going to say I have a favorite pose, it’s more the action of breathing and how important it is in yoga. It matters to me more than any of the individual poses and, since I’ve started practicing, I’ve become much more aware of the constant presence of breath as well as the importance of breath as well as the power of breath.

How would you describe your classes?
KG: I teach challenging, physical, hot, sweaty, vigorous, spiritually uplifting, and fun classes.

How do you inspire confidence during your classes?
KG: I just try to present scenarios where people have the option to make a choice to dig deeper or give up. I help them explore ways to dig deeper into their physical body and then take that lesson off the and into life. You have practiced challenges, so when something goes wrong like you get a flat tire, you don’t freak out. You just fix get it done.

If you weren’t a fitness instructor what would you be?
KG: I would be a cat whisperer. I love cats. I own Django, he’s a boy, and Chaka, she’s a girl, and they’re the coolest and cutest cats ever.

You say yoga is hip-hop—what do you mean by that?
KG: In some yoga cultures, there are people who frown upon different ways people practice—some people have in their minds that there’s only a certain type of music or only silence is appropriate for yoga. For me, yoga can be whatever will inspire somebody to get on their mat. Sometimes I play hip-hop in my classes and there are people that will say they never thought they could hear hip-hop in a yoga class. But that music is speaking to them and getting them to their mat. So yoga is hip-hop, but it can also be heavy metal, it can be country, it can be Taylor Swift—whatever it is that makes you feel good and gets you practicing.

What’s your favorite song or artist to practice to?
KG: I couldn’t pick one, but I’ll name genres—I like hip-hop, reggae, anything that grooves. 

Students might find it difficult to get a seat in one of Allison Woodward’s spin classes. That’s because the longtime instructor at Coppermine Racquet and Fitness Club off Falls Road adds a secret ingredient to her classes—trivia.

During every song Allison played, someone has to call out the song title and artist, and each correct answer got a point. The person with the most points wins. Yelling out guesses while breaking a sweat made the spin class much more lively and entertaining, and the minutes on the clock seemed to fly by.

After a class of guessing and sweating, we got the chance to ask Woodward about her fitness history, favorite songs, and why her mom is her inspiration.

How long have you been a fitness instructor?
Allison Woodward: I first started teaching classes in 1987 and I fell in love with it. I’ve been teaching overall for 30 years. I’ve been working at Coppermine since 2012, so I’m going on my fifth year there.

Can you tell me a little about Coppermine?
AW: We are a racquet and fitness facility, and our two racquet sports are squash and tennis. We also have a full fitness gym as far as treadmills, bikes, and weights. And we have about 65 classes a week including spin, insanity, a large variety of yoga classes, Pilates, group strength, barre, and step class. I teach spin, barre, yoga, step, strength, and a running class.

What is your favorite class to teach?
AW: Spin and yoga because I think there is more of a connection with people in those two classes. That’s the part of my job that I love—meeting people, building connections, and learning a little bit about everyone.

What are your favorite songs to workout to?
AW: I love fast beats. My favorite songs are “Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan, “5 Hours” by Deorro, and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. I like songs that have meanings in the lyrics to motivate everyone to be stronger.

Where is your favorite place to shop for fitness gear?
AW: Definitely Lululemon. They have the best fits for the multiple classes and sports that I compete in. I am a competitive triathlete, and I just completed the world championship in Hawaii, where I trained in all of their apparel. I love the cut of their tops, shorts, and running pants. They are athletic but still feminine.

What is your personal favorite way to workout? Least favorite?
AW: My favorite workout is running. My least favorite is any kind of dance class.

If I wasn’t a fitness instructor, I would be a . . .
AW: Social worker. I love knowing all kinds of people. I love the diversity of those I am blessed to be surrounded by and if I could help more people learn how amazing they were and make a difference to them, I would be so happy.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
AW: My mom. She lost our dad, her best friend and husband, when I was 6 and raised four kids on her own without ever complaining or giving up. She is the most positive person I know. She is now 88 and still that amazing lady with so much class and kindness.

What do you hope to accomplish with each class that you teach?
AW: To make people feel better than they did when they walked through my door.

What is the most embarrassing fitness trend you ever participated in?
PB: Who could forget the thong? Once it was there, it was there . . . it never moved. But yeah, we put our butt cheeks out in public.

Where is your current go-to place to shop for fitness wear?
PB: I’m pretty busy, so I like Fabletics because I can shop right from my phone.

What would you tell people who are intimidated about trying out a fitness class?
PB: I would say fear is the best attribute you could have because if there is no fear then you won’t have anything to conquer. You just can’t sit on the couch and be surrounded by fear. You have to keep testing the waters and get over it. And when you do, you’ll think why did I wait so long? It’s a lifestyle. It makes you look better, feel better, and gives you that power from your heart to keep going.